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    The Organ Pipes at Mt Arapiles.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council releases statement on Mount Arapiles

Barengi Gadjin Land Council, which represents Aboriginal cultural interests across much of the Wimmera, has released a statement to clarify its position on heritage values at Mount Arapiles near Natimuk.

Here is the statement –

Management action undertaken by Parks Victoria in recent times in the Dyurrite – Mt Arapiles – and Gariwerd – Grampians – landscapes to protect Aboriginal heritage values have been cause for both celebration and some concern among members of the public.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council recognises the need to clarify its position on this matter as the organisation which represents the interests of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk Traditional Owners.



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To do this, BGLC developed a position statement around the protection of our values in these landscapes. 

This statement can be found on website www.bglc.com.au/media.

In summary, BGLC makes it clear that not only does the organisation support the management actions of Parks Victoria, but that it is providing guidance and advice on what management actions should take place to protect our heritage values, particularly in relation to complying with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

This is the case exclusively for Dyurrite, and for Gariwerd in partnership with Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

The position statement also provides  cultural context and perspectives which hopefully demonstrate not only the deep connections of Traditional Owners to these landscapes, but also indicates how harm or impacts have a much broader definition and implications to Traditional Owners. 

BGLC is overwhelmed by the level of support for the Traditional Owner drive to have a stronger focus of heritage values protection in these landscapes, and especially from visitors and recreational users who want to be assured that what they do in these areas doesn’t impact on the integrity of those values and the needs of Traditional Owners.

BGLC On Country Operations manager Stuart Harradine: “BGLC is determined to meet the expectations of Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk Traditional Owners in relation to the protection of Aboriginal heritage values in the Gariwerd and Dyurrite landscapes.

“There needs to be a rebalancing so that site protection has its rightful status in relation to recreational use. 

“We know we have the support of many in the regional and climbing communities for what we are doing, and we will continue to work with those who engage with us in a respectful manner to get outcomes for the benefit of all.”

– Barengi Gadjin Land Council